Determination of triacylglycerols in food by high-performance liquid chromatography

Food contamination is a major global issue and the challenges are increasing. Alternative methodology using lipids in detecting contaminants and determining food ingredients is needed to supplement or replace current methodology. The core–shell column is considered to be a breakthrough for high-performance liquid chromatography. In this study, lipid profiling was performed using a C18 core–shell column to separate and identify triacylglycerols in oil and food. The chromatographic profiles were compared at various flow rates to determine their efficiency. The evaluation was done based on chromatographic resolution, resolving power, and separation efficiency. In addition, the height equivalent to a theoretical plate of the column was determined and a comparison was made at the same linear velocity along with the peak capacity. The most efficient flow rate was 400 µL/min, and by applying the methodology, triacylglycerols from edible oil and food were extensively profiled. The results show that triacylglycerol profiles may be utilized as a biomarker for food quality. This alternative methodology provided a comprehensive profile of triacylglycerols in oil and food that allowed the identification of unique triacylglycerol biomarkers for practical analysis.